Interview: Calm Energy Dog Trainer Anthony Newman

Some would say that Dumbo is one of the most dog friendly neighborhoods in NYC. There’s a local vet, several pet day care centers, a pet store, and pet friendly offices in this small area. There’s even a Twitter feed for pets, thepetfeed.com, created by Dumbo-based Sawhorse Media. So it makes sense that dog trainer Anthony Newman is starting a unique program that starts in August at Cheeky Dog daycare in Dumbo. We caught up with Anthony and asked about his new classes.

Tell me what you like about Dumbo and what brought you here.

Dumbo is first of all so beautiful. Beautiful old buildings, streets, views of the bridges. It’s historic, but now very current and hip too. My wife and I moved to Brooklyn from lower Manhattan because we could find a place with a garden for our dogs, without spending a zillion dollars on rent. I’d never want to move back now. As far as dog training, I came to Dumbo because I hit it off really well with Richelle Carlisle, the owner of Cheeky Dog Doggie Daycare. She’s so great with dogs and the daycare is so beautiful and sunny.

How did you get into dog training?

I used to be a philosophy professor, at Tufts and MIT. So I love to teach. And I’ve always loved dogs…the transition was pretty natural. I just felt like I have a special gift with dogs that I can share, and can make so many people happier by guiding them with their dogs.

Wow, a philosophy professor! What’s your dog training philosophy?

My philosophy is that there really aren’t any bad dogs. Dogs are naturally balanced, happy, relaxed, and obedient. When they’re fearful or aggressive, it’s almost always an issue with how they’ve being raised and treated. The good part of that is that you can almost always fix it. Start doing things a little differently, with a little different energy and routines, and your dog will become more relaxed and balanced. Which makes everyone happier!

What classes are you now offering in Dumbo?

At Cheeky Dog we’re offering Puppy Kindergarten (for puppies obviously), Basic Obedience for all dogs, and Leash-Walking Bootcamp. Leash-Walking Bootcamp teaches you how to walk your dogs in the city without them pulling, aggressing at other dogs, or generally causing trouble.

How has business been in Dumbo?

Awesome. There are so many dog families in Brooklyn and in Dumbo in particular. And Cheeky Dog has created such a great a community center for the owners to feel comfortable while they go to work.

What changes have you noticed over the years with dog owners and business in Dumbo?

I think people are drawn to Dumbo in large part because of its friendliness, including dog-friendliness. Great places to be outside with your family.

Where are your favorite places for dog walking in the area?

Hillside Park is a destination for all Brooklyners, even all New Yorkers. It’s simply the best dog-park around. Huge, friendly, small-dog area, beautiful, nice amenities. Great crowd, great dogs. I trek there almost every day.

Thank you Anthony. Hope some pet owners will benefit from your classes. To sign up, contect Chelle at Cheeky Dog (CheekyDog.net or 718-222-9270), or Anthony at CalmEnergyDogTraining.com (646-942-1979).

As far as I know, there is currently only one dog day care center in DUMBO. Sadly, DUMBO Pet Care had to shut down at the end of 2009. This only leave Cheeky Dog, which I believe to be a dangerous place to leave your pet.

I will not return to Cheeky Dog because the owner had her young children “watching” the dogs, but there was really very little supervision. Unfortunately, a dog fight can start quickly and end with devastating results. I agree that the owner is very nice, but I just don't think it is run professionally.

As far as I know, there is currently only one dog day care center in DUMBO. Sadly, DUMBO Pet Care had to shut down at the end of 2009. This only leave Cheeky Dog, which I believe to be a dangerous place to leave your pet.

I will not return to Cheeky Dog because the owner had her young children “watching” the dogs, but there was really very little supervision. Unfortunately, a dog fight can start quickly and end with devastating results. I agree that the owner is very nice, but I just don't think it is run professionally.

I have been leaving my dog at Cheeky Dog since we moved to Dumbo in 2007. I drop my dog off on my way to the subway most weekdays. By not leave it in solitary confinement in the apt all day, he is so much happier (and tired) at night. He loves it! Chelle is great, her family is great, and she has employees that really love dogs and are good at taking care of them. Thank you Chelle!

I have been leaving my dog at Cheeky Dog since we moved to Dumbo in 2007. I drop my dog off on my way to the subway most weekdays. By not leave it in solitary confinement in the apt all day, he is so much happier (and tired) at night. He loves it! Chelle is great, her family is great, and she has employees that really love dogs and are good at taking care of them. Thank you Chelle!

I have been leaving my dog at Cheeky Dog since we moved to Dumbo in 2007. I drop my dog off on my way to the subway most weekdays. By not leave it in solitary confinement in the apt all day, he is so much happier (and tired) at night. He loves it! Chelle is great, her family is great, and she has employees that really love dogs and are good at taking care of them. Thank you Chelle!

I have been leaving my dog at Cheeky Dog since we moved to Dumbo in 2007. I drop my dog off on my way to the subway most weekdays. By not leave it in solitary confinement in the apt all day, he is so much happier (and tired) at night. He loves it! Chelle is great, her family is great, and she has employees that really love dogs and are good at taking care of them. Thank you Chelle!

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